If you are wondering if you should bring a furry friend on your van life adventures, here are some things you should consider before you add a new furry family member.
- Usually when anyone thinks about adding a new furry friend as an addition to their family, they usually think about what type of breed and size would fit best for them and their environment. The same applies even while living life on the road. Some breeds are naturally more energetic and will require more exercises while some breeds typically have more health issues. There are many dogs that shed, and you'll want to keep in mind the cleaning that comes along with otherwise, you may want to opt for a hypoallergenic dog. You may want to do some research to find which breed will be best for you.
- Consider if you want a puppy or a more mature dog. Puppies will require a lot more attention such as potty training and more playtime. They will even go through the teething stage and chew up everything they can find in in sight. If your heart is set on a puppy, be sure to always have them entertained with toys, treats, or make many frequent stops to have them run out on their energy.
- You will want to consider how to make your pet comfortable. There may be times where you may have to leave your pet in your van while you run into a store because they are not allowed inside. Consider how the weather will be in the area you are traveling to including the summertime. Here are a few tips you can do to help keep them comfortable inside: use sun covers, open the windows, install a vent fan, insulate your van, and always monitor the temperature.
- Van life with pets will require you to consider your pet as part of your itinerary and day to day activities. If you are planning to be gone for the whole day or traveling somewhere that is not pet friendly, there are many options for a doggy day care you can look into. Rover is a pet sitting/ pet walking app with people locally. There are many pet center daycares throughout the area as well, but you will want to make sure your pet is up to date with their shots and vaccinations. You will have to research ahead of time to accommodate your furry friend.
- Train them for good behavior. Van life is already in a smaller space so once you let your pets outside they'll be excited to run in the open space. The last time we would want is for our pets to go off a little too far. Train them to be off leash for a short period of time and reward them for coming back. Also practice leaving them in the van. Start by leaving for a few minutes and rewarding them once you come back and gradually leave them for a longer period of time. This should make living life on the road with your pets a lot more relax and with a peace of mind.
Overall, adding a furry friend as a new family member will be the best companion you can have on your van life adventures!
